DEFENCE FORCES OF UKRAINE
Amid growing bonhomie, India asks Russia to advance S-400 missile system deliveries
India has urged Russia to speed up deliveries of the S-400 air defence missile system, citing its strategic needs amid geopolitical tensions. Originally scheduled for completion by 2024, delays due to Russia's conflict with Ukraine have pushed the timeline. India has already operationalized three squadrons and seeks quicker deployment to bolster its air defence against aerial threats from China and Pakistan. With recent advancements in indigenous missile systems, India views the S-400 as pivotal in enhancing its air defence capabilities, amidst broader military cooperation with Russia.
Joe Biden expected to announce USD 225 million weapons package for Ukraine, including Patriot system
President Biden will announce a USD 225 million aid package including a second Patriot missile system for Ukraine's air defence against Russian airstrikes, aligning with Zelenskyy's call against 3,000 monthly bombs. Deployment will use presidential drawdown authority, previously noted in June. At the NATO summit, allies, including the US, Germany, and Romania, pledged Patriots. The US provided USD 150 million for interceptors, artillery, and anti-tank weapons, and USD 2.2 billion in Ukraine Security Assistance funds for future systems like NASAMS. Additional support includes NASAMS, HAWKs, IRIS T-SLM, IRIS T-SLS, and Gepards.
F-16s' arrival not a silver bullet for Ukraine in war with Russia
The U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets destined for Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands are anticipated to enhance Ukraine's air defenses amid ongoing Russian attacks. Despite the delayed process, which has allowed Russia to fortify its defenses, these jets are seen as crucial for bolstering Ukraine's depleted air force. Analysts suggest the F-16s, though symbolically significant, may have a limited immediate battlefield impact. Challenges remain in training Ukrainian pilots, maintaining the aircraft, and securing vulnerable air bases from ongoing Russian assaults. Ukraine aims to deploy these jets strategically despite logistical and operational hurdles.
NATO to set up new command in Germany to train Ukraine forces; appoint representative in Kyiv
NATO will appoint a senior representative in Kyiv to strengthen Ukraine's ties with the alliance and establish a new military command in Germany for training Ukrainian troops, according to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. This announcement was made at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum, where Sullivan also highlighted new joint projects with Indo-Pacific partners and emphasised the importance of cooperation in addressing global challenges.
NATO will need 35-50 extra brigades under new defence plans, source says
NATO plans to boost its defenses with 35-50 additional brigades in response to heightened threats from Russia post-Ukraine invasion. The expansion aims to enhance air and missile defenses, upgrade long-range weaponry, and bolster logistical support. Germany, facing a quadrupling of air defense requirements, is already increasing its Patriot missile units. These efforts mark NATO's first major defense plans in decades, reflecting a shift from previous assessments of Russian threats. The alliance seeks to strengthen deterrence capabilities amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Russia's Novorossiysk authorities limit beach access after sea drones attacks
The mayor of Novorossiysk, Andrei Kravchenko, announced that beach access in the Russian Black Sea port city would be restricted until 09:00 (0600 GMT) on July 3 due to ongoing operational activities following a reported sea drone attack. Kravchenko urged residents and visitors to avoid beach areas, embankments, and recreational zones along the water's edge during this period. The city has been on alert amid tensions, with accusations from Russia of attacks by Ukraine on its Black Sea ports and the annexed Crimean Peninsula, although details and damage assessments are often not fully disclosed by Russian officials.
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Russia launches missile attack on Kyiv and surrounding region, Ukraine says
Russia launched three missiles on Ukraine, with two destroyed. No damage reported. Kyiv under air raid alerts. Witnesses heard blasts around Kyiv. Reporting by Pavel Polityuk and Sergiy Karazy.
A record number of NATO allies are hitting their defence spending target during war in Ukraine
Over 20 NATO member nations are meeting the alliance's defense spending target, amidst concerns over Russia's war in Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg commended European efforts for collective security, ahead of a pivotal summit in Washington.
Ukraine says it hit three Russian air defence systems in occupied Crimea
Ukraine's military reported striking three Russian surface-to-air missile systems in Russian-occupied Crimea overnight, marking its second attack on the peninsula's air defenses this week. The strikes targeted an S-300 system and two S-400 systems near Belbek and Sevastopol, destroying two radars and causing munitions to detonate. The Russian-installed governor of Sevastopol claimed air defenses repelled the attack without damage. Ukraine previously hit air defense systems near Yevpatoriya and Chornomorske. Ukraine continues targeting Russian assets in Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, aiming to reclaim the territory.
Modi 3.0 takes aim: Blueprint to make the Indian armed forces future ready
India faces growing security challenges from China and Pakistan, prompting calls for a robust and integrated defence strategy. This includes bolstering nuclear deterrence, enhancing military capabilities, and pushing for systemic reforms in defence production and organization. The new government must prioritize these measures to ensure national security and strategic autonomy in the coming years.
US to send another patriot missile system to Ukraine after repeated demands
US President Joe Biden has authorised the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Ukraine in response to escalating conflict with Russia. The decision comes following high-level meetings and internal debate over bolstering Ukraine's air defenses. The system, considered one of the best in the US arsenal, will be sent from Poland to assist Ukraine in defending against Russian attacks on its cities and infrastructure.
Former Trump defence official warns against Chinese surprise attack on Taiwan
Former US President Donald Trump's administration official Elbridge Colby has served as deputy assistant secretary of defence for strategy and force development in 2017-2018. In an interview with Japan's Yomiuri Shimbun conducted in Washington DC, Colby said that the military needed to be strengthened so it could deliver any immediate response against Chinese aggression.
Germany's Diehl to further expand production of IRIS-T air defence systems
German arms manufacturer Diehl intends to expand production of the IRIS-T medium-range air defense system, aiming for at least 10 firing units by 2026 and a doubling of missile production by 2025. This move follows heightened threats from Russia, prompting Germany to bolster its defense capabilities. Germany has already supplied two IRIS-T units to Ukraine for missile defense and plans to provide six more. Additionally, some NATO countries, including Estonia and Latvia, have signed agreements to purchase the IRIS-T system, which has a range of up to 40 kilometers and a 360-degree view.
Western army trainers in Ukraine not immune from strikes, Kremlin says
Western army instructors who train Ukrainian soldiers in the country would have no "immunity" from Russian strikes, the Kremlin said Tuesday, amid reports that France could despatch military trainers to Ukraine. France does not officially have military personnel assisting or training Ukrainian forces in Ukraine at the moment.
Russian missiles and drones target Ukrainian energy sites
Russia launched 100 missiles and drones at Ukraine, damaging energy facilities. President Zelensky called for international support to counter destabilization and chaos.
Russia damages Ukrainian energy infrastructure in 5 regions
Russian missile and drone attack has damaged energy facilities in five regions in Ukraine. The Ukrainian air defence shot down 46 out of the 47 Russian drones.
Sweden gives radar surveillance planes to Ukraine air force
Sweden will donate two Saab Airborne Surveillance and Control (ASC) 890 aircraft to Ukraine to enhance its defenses against Russia, as part of a $1.3 billion aid package. These aircraft will improve long-range target identification and support the integration of F-16 fighter jets donated by other Western countries. This contribution is part of Sweden's larger military support plan, pledging $7.1 billion over three years. Sweden will expedite orders for S 106 Global Eye aircraft to replace the donated planes, according to Defence Minister Pal Jonson.
Ukraine secures more military aid from EU members
Slow deliveries of support by its Western partners, especially a lengthy delay in military aid from the United States, have left Ukraine at the mercy of Russia's bigger army and air force. European countries have been discussing the possibility of deploying troops to Ukraine in support roles, while talk of giving seized Russian assets to Ukraine has further angered Moscow.
EU tries increasing Ukraine's military support as Zelenskyy tours Spain, Belgium and Portugal
European Union defence ministers are meeting in Brussels to provide military aid to Ukraine amidst Russia's ongoing invasion. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seeking support from Spain, Belgium, and Portugal to bolster Ukraine's defence efforts. Hungary's veto has stalled 6.5 billion euros in aid. Zelenskyy aims to secure more support, including US-made Patriot air defence systems, to counter Russia's attacks.
Kyiv says first French military instructors to travel to Ukraine 'soon'
Kyiv's army chief, Oleksandr Syrsky, announced that French military instructors will soon arrive in Ukraine to train servicemen. The announcement was made after a video call with French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu. France's defence ministry said the issue is being studied but did not confirm the deployment of instructors.
Ukraine's Zelenskyy gets more air defence missiles from Spain to fight deadly Russian glide bombs
Two Patriot systems are needed to protect the northeastern Kharkiv region, where the Kremlin's forces launched a cross-border offensive on May 10 that left Ukrainian troops reeling, Zelenskyy said. The death toll from a glide bomb attack on a Kharkiv shopping mall Saturday rose to 18, regional Gov Oleh Syniehubov said Monday, with five people still missing.
Ukraine says has 'stopped' Russia in Kharkiv, now pushing back
Ukrainian forces have halted a Russian advance in the Kharkiv region and are now counter-attacking. President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the region's capital to discuss the battle for Vovchansk.
Russia starts exercise with tactical nuclear weapons
Russia's Foreign Ministry has cited comments by French President Emmanuel Macron, who floated the possibility of sending European troops to fight Russia in Ukraine, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron, who said Ukraine had the right to use weapons provided by London to strike targets inside Russia.
Russian forces take control of three settlements in Ukraine, says defence ministry
Russian forces have seized control of additional settlements in Ukraine's Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia regions, according to the Russian defense ministry. These gains come amid ongoing fighting in the Kharkiv region, where Russia aims to establish a buffer zone to protect its neighboring Belgorod region. The Ukrainian military has acknowledged pulling back from some areas to more strategic positions to minimize casualties. Both sides claim to have repelled attacks and inflicted losses on the other, but these reports have not been independently verified.
Ukrainian strike on apartment block kills 15, Russia says
In one of the deadliest attacks to date on the region of Belgorod, Ukraine launched what Russian officials said was a massive missile attack, involving Tochka ballistic missiles and Adler and RM-70 Vampire (MLRS) multiple launch rocket systems.
Russia takes five villages in Ukraine's Kharkiv region, defence ministry says
In its briefing on Saturday, the Defence Ministry said that Russian forces had taken the villages of Pletenivka, Ohirtseve, Borysivka, Pylna and Strilechna, all of which are directly on the Russian border.
Russia ramps up Ukraine offensive ahead of arms boost
Russia has intensified its offensive in Donbas, making significant gains over the past month. The recent capture of Ocheretyne follows the fall of Avdiivka in February, with Russian forces advancing westwards. Ukraine's defence ministry reported 125 Russian attacks along the front line in 24 hours, with a focus on Ocheretyne and Chasiv Yar. While there have been no major breakthroughs, the advance has surprised Ukraine and led to criticism within the country. Ukraine has warned of ammunition shortages, despite Western aid approval, which could take two months to materialize.
Vladimir Putin orders tactical nuclear weapons drills amid Western 'threats'
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered Russian forces to conduct exercises involving tactical nuclear weapons in response to perceived "threats" from the West, according to CNN. This marks the first public announcement of such drills by Russia, following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The exercises will focus on preparations and deployment scenarios for non-strategic nuclear weapons, which are designed for battlefield use with lower destructive capabilities than strategic nuclear weapons.
Russia's defence minister orders more weapons for Ukraine operation
At a meeting with the top military command for Moscow's fight in Ukraine, the chief of the general staff, Valery Gerasimov, who is in charge of the operation, delivered a report to Shoigu, the ministry said on the Telegram messaging app.
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